Why Go to College?
To a disinterested party, a college is usually thought of as simply an institution of higher learning. However, to those more closely concerned with college, it can have an added meaning.
For example, to the cynical, “what’s-the-big-deal” high school graduate, college is merely an institution established to keep him in bondage a little while longer.
These people have missed the big “why” about college; they have not looked beyond the book education.
To be sure it is possible for a high school graduate to make a successful life for himself in the business world. At his high school he could have learned all that he needed to get started in his work. Thus, college would seem to be unnecessary and time-consuming.
But such impatient people have really missed the deeper meaning of college. They never realize that a college education is more than mere “book learning.” They never realize that college offers an introduction not only to learning but also to life; that college offers a proving ground for the testing of one’s abilities. For example, those who “know it all” often find that they know less than they thought. Thus, college offers the opportunity to build a strong foundation for life and work.
Then, aside from these more material aspects, a college education can offer perhaps the most valuable asset to be had—an open, inquiring mind. This open, inquiring mind can lead its possessor on the most fascinating trip ever dreamed possible—a trip through all the realms of knowledge. Thus, college is more than digging into books; it is digging into life. —Earlene Wilsmann
(This editorial, originally written as an essay for a class assignment, was called to our attention by Miss Wilsmann’s instructor.)
It Is Time for Action
During the past few weeks petitions have been circulated on the campus supporting the current American policies in Vietnam. As of last Monday, there are only approximately 350 signatures on the petition. This is a disappointingly small number from a student body that numbers more than 1600.
This petition states, “… the Young Republicans believe a strong American policy in repelling Communist aggression against South Vietnam to be essential if America is to fulfill its international obligations in defense of freedom.”
Another portion says, “WHEREAS, the several student groups throughout the United States are presently advocating civil disobedience in the form of violations of the Espionage Act and of the Selective Service Act and, WHEREAS, the Texarkana College Young Republican Club deplores such disloyal activity and considers the views of the Student Body of the United States …”
Surely there is nothing in this or any other portion of the petition that any right-thinking American could object to, unless in the case of some Party-minded individuals they refuse to sign anything that is sponsored by the opposition party. However, this is a time to unite, to stand behind the United States, not behind the label of Republican or Democrat.
The deadline for signing this petition is rapidly approaching, and the KENNEL urges the students of Texarkana College, regardless of their party preference, to avail themselves of the opportunity of standing up for the basic doctrines upon which this nation is founded.
Copies of the petition are in the Dean of Students Office and the KENNEL Office, both located on the second floor of the Student Center. We would like to see at least 600 names on the petition by the Christmas holidays, and we do not feel that even this would show the true character of the students at our College. Remember this, however, “actions speak louder than words; consider your duty as an American;” and we feel that you will become one of those who signs the petition.